How to Relieve Tooth Pain After Filling
Fillings are a form of dental care that helps you extend the life of your teeth by replacing the part that was scraped away due to decay. A dentist is the only one who can determine if you need a filling.
There are several advanced techniques a dentist can use to determine if you need one, such as x-rays, cavity detecting decaying rinse, fluorescence laser cavity detection aids or good old-fashioned observation.
For many people, getting a filling usually cures the ache or sensitivity associated with tooth decay. However, others may experience pain or discomfort following a filling. So what should you do now?
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Why Tooth Pain Occurs After Dental Filling?
Post-filling tooth pain can occur for several reasons, most of which are temporary and manageable. When a dentist drills into a tooth to remove decay, they sometimes reach the deeper layers of the tooth, which may irritate the nerves. This irritation can cause sensitivity to hot and cold or general soreness for a few days.
Additionally, the materials used for the filling, such as amalgam or composite resin, can sometimes lead to an initial period of adjustment, as the tooth becomes accustomed to the new surface and pressure.
However, it’s crucial to know that this pain is generally short-term and subsides within a few days. But what if the pain persists? Let’s look at some common causes and how to manage them.
Check Also: Prevent Tooth Sensitivity In Summer
Common Causes of Tooth Pain After a Filling
High Filling
If your filling is even slightly higher than the natural tooth surface, it can lead to pressure pain when you bite down. This is because the bite isn’t aligned properly, and the tooth experiences excessive force. In such cases, a simple adjustment by your dentist will correct the issue.
Nerve Irritation
During the drilling process, the dental nerves may be irritated, causing inflammation. This can result in pain that feels like throbbing or sensitivity to temperature changes.
Pulpitis
When the decay is extensive and close to the tooth’s pulp (where the nerves and blood vessels are), the filling process may aggravate the pulp, leading to a condition known as pulpitis.
There are two types: reversible pulpitis (temporary inflammation) and irreversible pulpitis (which may require a root canal).
Tooth Infection
In rare cases, if the filling does not fully seal the tooth, bacteria may re-enter the tooth, causing an infection that leads to ongoing pain.
Referred Pain
Sometimes, pain may be felt in a tooth that wasn’t filled, due to referred pain. This occurs when one tooth is filled, but the surrounding teeth experience sensitivity as a result of changes in bite or nerve stimulation.
Effective Ways to Relieve Tooth Pain After a Filling
Relieving tooth pain after a filling can be important for comfort, especially in the first few days following the procedure. Post-filling discomfort is fairly common and can range from mild sensitivity to sharper pain. Here are some effective ways to alleviate the discomfort:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
One of the simplest ways to manage pain after a filling is to take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
These medications help to reduce inflammation and provide quick pain relief. However, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the packaging.
Avoid Hot and Cold Foods
In the days following your filling, it’s common to experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. To prevent further irritation, avoid consuming overly hot or cold foods and beverages, such as ice water, coffee, or soup. Opt for lukewarm or room temperature options instead.
Use Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Specially formulated sensitivity toothpastes contain compounds that block the transmission of pain signals from the tooth’s surface to the nerves. Switching to this kind of toothpaste for a few weeks can help reduce post-filling sensitivity.
Salt Water Rinse
A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce pain and inflammation. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
The saline solution helps to clean the area and promote healing, reducing irritation in the gums and around the filled tooth.
Wet Tea Bag
Wet a black tea bag or peppermint tea bag and place it on the area that aches. Do not make it hot. Black teas has astringent tannins that can reduce inflammation, while peppermint tea can provide a gentle numbing effect that can soothe your pain.
Chew on the Opposite Side
If you are experiencing discomfort when chewing, try chewing on the opposite side of your mouth until the soreness subsides. This will prevent further irritation of the filled tooth and give it time to heal.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
After a filling, your tooth needs time to adjust to the new material. To avoid dislodging the filling or irritating the area, it’s best to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as nuts, candy, or chewing gum, which can put extra pressure on the tooth.
Apply a Cold Compress
If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce inflammation. Wrap an ice pack or frozen peas in a towel and apply it to the area for 15-minute intervals, with breaks in between.
Preventing Tooth Pain After Future Fillings
While it’s not always possible to completely avoid pain after a filling, there are some steps you can take to minimize discomfort:
- Communicate with your dentist about any pain or sensitivity you’ve experienced with previous fillings. This can help them adjust their techniques or recommend specific materials better suited to your needs.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash to prevent further decay or gum issues around the filled tooth.
- Follow post-filling care instructions provided by your dentist. This may include avoiding certain foods, medications, or follow-up appointments for bite adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is It Normal to Have Pain After a Tooth Filling?
Yes, it is normal to experience some pain or discomfort after a tooth filling, especially within the first few days. This is because the procedure may irritate the surrounding tissues and nerves in the tooth.
How long does tooth pain last after a filling?
In most cases, tooth pain after a filling lasts for a few days to a week. The tooth needs time to heal from the procedure, and any irritation to the nerves typically subsides on its own. If pain persists beyond a week, it’s advisable to consult your dentist.
Is it normal for a tooth to be sensitive to hot or cold after a filling?
Yes, sensitivity to hot or cold is common after a filling. This happens because the dental nerves may have been irritated during the procedure. Sensitivity usually decreases over time, but if it continues for more than a couple of weeks, you should contact your dentist.
Why do I have sharp pain when I bite down after a filling?
Sharp pain when biting down could be due to a misaligned filling or a bite that’s not properly adjusted. If you experience this type of pain, contact your dentist to have the filling evaluated and adjusted.